Many cases of shoulder pain can be solved with minimally invasive treatments such as anti-inflammatory injections, routine physically therapy and arthroscopic surgeries. However, patients who experience chronic pain because of degenerative processes/conditions, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, typically require more intensive treatment, up to and including shoulder replacement.
At Memorial Hermann, we focus on providing our shoulder replacement patients with a holistic treatment plan, compassionate care and innovative procedures that will greatly improve their mobility, pain management and quality of life.
The patients who benefit the most from shoulder replacement are those who currently experience chronic pain due to degeneration in their shoulder joint or older patients with slow deterioration in their joint because it has simply worn out.
Shoulder replacement surgeries typically fall under two major categories:
Both modes of treatment involve completely replacing the joint with artificial parts to improve the structure and mobility of the patient’s shoulder. In addition, the preparation for your surgery will be identical regardless of what procedure your physician chooses to do.
Total shoulder replacement typically involves an incision through the front, after which the surgeon will shave some of the bone on either side of the joint and replace it with a metal stem (humeral) and a dish-shaped glenoid, or plastic piece. In addition to decreasing the overall level of pain you may experience, this procedure can help increase your shoulder function.
Reverse shoulder replacement differs from traditional replacement in the type of materials used, as well as the recovery time. Due to advances in surgical techniques, reverse shoulder replacement is an increasingly common procedure.
Recovery from shoulder replacement surgery is a long process which depends on a variety of factors, including age, general health and post-surgery behavior. Younger, healthier patients are sometimes sent home the same day of surgery or may spend one night in the hospital for observation. Patients will typically require a sling for 2 to 3 weeks and begin physical therapy shortly after that. Basic functional movement can resume within several weeks, but it will generally take 3 to 4 months — and sometimes as long as 6 months — for patients to continue improving. The entire process from surgery to full, normal routine will often take a full year.
You may be a candidate for shoulder replacement if your chronic pain has progressed to the point where it interferes with activities in your daily life. If you are unable to sleep at night or go outside to do the things you enjoy, it is probably time to have your shoulder replaced. If pain does not respond to anti-inflammatory medications or injections, or X-ray findings suggest deterioration due to chronic conditions, your physician may recommend shoulder replacement.
The decision to undergo shoulder replacement surgery can have lasting implications for your range of motion, quality of life and continued ability to move and function. At Memorial Hermann, the team of affiliated physicians, physical therapists, nurses, occupational therapists and other professionals are dedicated to helping you find a solution to your chronic shoulder pain. To learn if you are a candidate for shoulder replacement surgery, contact us today or find a joint center location near you.
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